[Cataracts] | [Symptoms] | [Diagram] | [Implant Surgery Information] | [Implant Surgery Techniques] | [Artificial Lenses] | [More Information] Cataracts There is currently no way to prevent the formation of cataracts and no way to stop their progress once the appear. Cataracts are just a part of the normal aging process but factors such as heredity, eye injuries, diabetes and even some medications may contribute to the formation of cataracts. Cataracts can develop slowly over a period of years but in some cases they may develop quickly in only a few months. As the cloudiness increases, your vision becomes progressively worse. Cataracts may affect both eyes at a different rate, or they may affect only one eye. Symptoms Of course, only your eye doctor can tell for sure if you have a cataract - but there are several symptoms that may indicate the presence of a cataract. An early sign is increasing glare from strong sunlight or bright lights at night. You may also notice halos around different light sources such as car headlights. Colors that are normally bright and vibrant may appear faded and washed out - especially greens and blues. And most noticeably, your vision will become blurred and hazy, making it difficult to read small print or perform other tasks.   A cataract is a clouding of this lens. As a cataract develops, the clouded lens reduces the amount of light that can enter your eye, resulting in blurred or foggy vision.

Implant Surgery - Information Your vision can be restored by a surgical procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial lens. Cataracts can be removed at any stage of their development, but when is the best time to have your cataract removed? The decision is yours alone. With modern microsurgical techniques, age or physical condition are seldom obstacles. The timing depends on how much your cataract limits your vision. When your vision becomes impaired enough to interfere with normal activities such as driving, reading or watching TV, then surgery may be advisable. Advanced surgical techniques and modern lens replacement now make "same day cataract surgery" possible. You can have your cataract removed at an ambulatory surgery center or on an outpatient basis at a nearby hospital and go home the same day! Also, your surgery will take place in a fully equipped, state-of-the-art operating room. Throughout your operation an experienced surgical team will be assisting to see to your well-being and comfort. Implant Surgery - Techniques There are different surgical techniques to remove the clouded lens. The most widely used technique is phacoemulisification. Phacoemulsification is a small incision surgical technique. Using a microscope, an incision is made in the eye and a tiny ultrasonic probe is used to break up your cataractand gently suction it away. Another method is called extracapsular cataract extraction. With this method, the cataract lens nucleus is removed in one piece through a slightly larger incision. In either of these two procedures, the capsular bag, or the clear skin that encases your lens, is left intact to serve as a support for an artificial lens implant. Artificial Lenses Once your cataract lens has been removed, it can be replaced by an artificial lens. This lens is a tiny, clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens or IOL. The use of the IOL has almost totally eliminated the need for contact lenses or thick, heavy cataract glasses. Best of all, you should experience little discomfort during or after the procedure. Assuming that no other vision problems are present, you should enjoy improved vision soon after surgery. However, based on your individual needs, you may require additional corrective lenses. Glasses may be needed to assist you with certain activities such as reading or driving.   For More Information...... Visit our Opthamology Links page to link to information on this and other eye care topics!     [Main Page] | [Welcome] | [Diseases] | [Services] | [New Ulm Optical] | [Cataract and Implant] | [Refractive Surgery] | [Eyewear Special] | [Map] | [Opthamology Links]  You are visitor number to visit Cataracts and Implants! Send email to New Ulm Eye Center © PlainsNet. Last updated July, 1997. For information or questions, contact the WebSpinners at PlainsNet.com